UNICEF has pledged to provide support for children in Zambia amidst the drought situation.

According to the UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Dr Nejmudin Kedir Bilal, the drought has exacerbated issues such as child labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse, necessitating urgent intervention.

This came to light during a courtesy call on the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami.

Dr Bilal appreciated the government through the Ministry for being proactive with the emergency response through the enumeration exercise for vulnerable people across the country.

He also highlighted UNICEF’s concern for the welfare of children during this time, adding that immediate and coordinated action is essential to protect them from the escalating threats posed by the drought.

And Ms. Kawandami has reaffirmed the Zambian government’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for collaboration with UNICEF in various areas of human development.

She emphasized that the government remains dedicated to promoting the implementation of social protection programs that can provide relief and support to those impacted by the drought and safeguard the rights and well-being of children across the country.

“The Ministry is grateful that the support will include enhancing the government’s welfare structures at community and district level to address violence, stigma and exclusion and facilitate access to quality services, with special emphasis on psychosocial support, family-based care and child-friendly justice”, Ms. Kawandami said.

She further appreciated the European Union (EU), through its human development programme, working with the United Nations agencies, for their intention to support the government in building up its child protection system.